Track: Regulatory

The round table will address crucial topics in the field of recycled plastics, from the current market situation to future perspectives in its use in packaging. We will discuss practical experiences, highlighting opportunities and challenges, as well as the impact of taxation and certifications on the industry. We will delve into the relevance of recycled plastic in contact with food and conclude by evaluating the role of chemical recycling in achieving sustainability goals. An essential meeting to understand the current and future dynamics of plastic recycling.

Learn the strategies to attaining packaging circularity straight from experts in each field. EU Policies aimed at the circular economy starting in 2015, in addition to regulatory pressure, packager and consumer awareness and ongoing innovation in materials have made the incorporation of zero-waste strategies a reality in the packaging field. This tour will pivot between the following areas: reduction of materials, reutilisation, recycling and renewal.

Learn the strategies to attaining packaging circularity straight from experts in each field. EU Policies aimed at the circular economy starting in 2015, in addition to regulatory pressure, packager and consumer awareness and ongoing innovation in materials have made the incorporation of zero-waste strategies a reality in the packaging field. This tour will pivot between the following areas: reduction of materials, reutilisation, recycling and renewal.

During the sessions, leading companies in the packaging and container value chain will be commenting on the implication of the future European law on packaging and packaging waste with regard to ecodesign, recyclability, compostability, reuse and the introduction of recycled material. The companies will also share their strategies and ongoing developments for regulatory compliance in view of a temporary scenario which, as scheduled, will maintain 2025 and 2030 as the key dates and establish new milestones in 2035 and 2040.

Only one step remains from the approval of new European packaging and packaging waste regulations, after the green light from European Parliament: Once the EU Council gives its official go-ahead, it will be of mandatory compliance by Member States. Its entry into force will entail amendments to Royal Decree 1055/2022 on Packaging and Packaging Waste and introduce, in some cases, more restrictive measures and extend, in turn, the terms for some of them until 2040. These differences with regard to the current regulation may have a direct impact on the companies of the European Union and the management of packaging and waste in the common market. To shed light on the implications for the entire packaging value chain, this talk will address in detail all the key points that the draft law sets out, placing special emphasis on reuse and returnable containers, as well as on prevention and recyclability.

Learn the strategies to attaining packaging circularity straight from experts in each field. EU Policies aimed at the circular economy starting in 2015, in addition to regulatory pressure, packager and consumer awareness and ongoing innovation in materials have made the incorporation of zero-waste strategies a reality in the packaging field. This tour will pivot between the following areas: reduction of materials, reutilisation, recycling and renewal.

EU regulations on packaging and waste address environmental issues and the harmonisation of the internal market. Despite apparent success, the amount of waste is still on the rise (188.7 kg/inhab in 2021). This is underscored by the challenges of plastics recycling. Spain, the third leading country in plastics recycling, is still tackling this issue, with 36% of its plastic waste ending up in landfills. This raises waste management concerns and suggests the need for more effective policies and the promotion of alternatives such as reuse and recycling. These topics will be addressed by the round-table discussion “Impact of Plastics on Packaging Waste Management”.